Solomon, with his mild observation, paused to mop his brow with a flaming red handkerchief. Instantly offended, Smith snapped out a curt question.
"Your business with me, sir?"
Solomon looked up, his blue eyes widening in surprise.
"Why, dang it, if it ain't the new commissioner as I 'aven't met yet! Werry pleased I am to meet you, sir, and 'ere's 'oping as 'ow we'll get on well in future, as the old gent said to the new 'ousemaid. Me name's Solomon, sir, John Solomon."
"So I understand. Your business?"
Solomon once more seemed surprised, then looked around and nodded to Hammer.
"Why, sir, I 'eard as 'ow me friend, Mr. 'Ammer, was 'ere, so I says to meself: 'John,' says I, 'don't refuse a 'elping 'and to a friend! 'Elping 'ands is cheap,' I says; 'but friends is werry 'ard to find.' So 'ere I be, sir, 'oping as 'ow you'll see fit to let Mr. 'Ammer go with me."
"You're a very innocent person," came the brusque reply. "Mr. Hammer is accused of murder, and does not go with you."
"Lud! Murder! And who's 'e been and murdered, if I may make so bold, sir?"
Hammer grinned to himself, though inwardly worried over Jenson. Had the man seen Solomon coming?